This study reports on an innovative approach to dual-language instruction (DLI) at the secondary-education level and introduces the 2-1-L2 model. The context of the study is an American Government class at a public charter high school in Tucson, Arizona, where the 2-1-L2 model was used for nine weeks to structure daily 90-minute lessons into a…

History or social studies teachers are constantly striving to make the past come alive for their students and to help them see that not only does the past relate to the present, but it can also give insights into the future. The recent passing of former President Gerald R. Ford provides social studies teachers with just such an opportunity. Ford's…

Discusses a study conducted to determine if the directed use of newspapers could increase students' content acquisition in a secondary American Government course. Results show an increase in students' content acquisition, but further studies are needed with many more students participating. Includes chart quantifying data from study, and a sample…

Describes a college course which studies the U.S. House of Representatives. The course examines the origins of the House, life on the hill, rules, committee assignments, leadership, legislators, and the bureaucracy. (RM)

Role playing Congress provides high school American government students with a unique opportunity not only to learn the workings of the Congress, but also to be active participants in the learning process. Research studies have shown that students enjoy those classes in which they are actively participating. (RM)

A game to help secondary civics students understand how a Congressional bill becomes law is presented. The game board is pictured; teachers have to run off copies on the photocopier and then add dice and some colored pieces of paper for students to use as markers. (RM)

High school students need to be able to analyze specific social and political events, as well as political institutions within a system. They should analyze the existence of democratic behavior and the level at which the democratic behavior operates. Discussed are six criteria for determining democratic performance within society. (RM)

In this activity for high school American government classes, students examine and discuss six documents concerning the transfer of power to Lyndon Johnson after the Kennedy assassination. The objective of the lesson is to help students understand how power is gained and used. (AM)

Reviews how classroom teachers can use Congressional Satellite Public Announcement Network (C-SPAN) to stimulate and instruct students in social studies and American Government classes. Outlines future plans for classroom outreach which include a guidebook, training tapes, lesson plans, and teacher seminars. Includes an address for further…

This guide will help secondary teachers use the 1984 elections as a tool to teach about American government and politics. Students use their town, county, or city as the classroom. Newspapers, community resources, campaign materials and activities, and the broadcast media are their textbooks. (RM)

Offers a teaching model and describes ways that social studies concepts can be taught using music. Discusses six steps for doing so, and describes three activities for using music in the social studies class. (SR)

Offers a lesson which is designed to help twelfth grade American Government students understand the process and dilemmas of congressional reapportionment or redistricting. Includes objectives, teaching procedures and a map of an imaginary state showing districts and their populations. (JDH)

There are many available resources, other than textbooks, for studying government. Simulation games are available, both commercial ones and those an imaginative teacher can develop. Newspapers, video tapes, educational films, and computer games are other resources which can be used in government courses. (CS)

Trade has been an important factor in United States from the 17th century to the present day. The United States was born out of a trade dispute with Great Britain. From the moment the founders first set pen to paper, trade has helped spur U.S. economic growth. This booklet covers trade topics such as policy, perspectives, difference in nations…

Reviews the growing literature on the forecasting of elections, providing an example in the form of 1988 congressional election predictions. Briefly discusses the history of election outcome prediction and outlines two scientific forecasting models which, the authors state, are appropriate for use in the classroom. (GEA)